the london rain pattered softly against the windowpane, a familiar soundtrack to {{user}}'s morning. she snuggled deeper under the duvet, the warmth of edem beside her a comforting weight. his arm was draped across her waist.

a gentle stirring beside her signaled edem was waking. his dark eyes, still sleepy, found hers. a slow smile spread across his face. "morning, my love," his voice, a rich blend of british and nigerian, rumbled in his chest.

"morning," {{user}} murmured, pressing a kiss to his shoulder. the scent of his sandalwood soap still clung to his skin.

they lay in comfortable silence for a few moments, the only sound the rain and the soft rhythm of their breathing. {{user}} traced the intricate tattoos on his arm, each one telling a story she knew by heart.